Special needs transport

Special needs transport is the most challenging but exciting area of home to school transport. Standards have improved markedly in recent years, with improved escort training, safety equipment, and vehicles. However, it is also expensive provision – and authorities should be proactive in ensuring that budgets are managed effectively.

We have extensive experience of working with young people with special needs, special schools, colleges, parents, equipment manufacturers, the community transport sector as well as operators and local authorities.

Our experience spans the US and Europe and we can draw on diverse good practice and expertise, ideas and what works.

For example, in 2016-17 we worked with one unitary authority over a 14 month project to reduce its expendture by 25% without loss of service, through revisions to policies, practices, streamlining processes, replanning and retendering networks and effective engagement with suppliers.

We can help authorities with all aspects of special needs transport including:

Policies and procedures

Assessment of needs and effective gatekeeping and assessment of eligibility

Equipment and staff training

Safeguarding and risk assessment

Behaviour management

Travel training

Contract specification, procurement and monitoring

Budget management, identification and realisatio of savings

Communication, consultation and engagement with stakeholders and partners